At the outbreak of the Boer Wars William George Heys was a Captain in the Manchester Regiment. Amidst growing tension between Boers and the British in the Transvaal, elements of the Manchester Regiment shipped to South Africa and the Regiment subsequently saw action in most of the major battles of the Boer wars. Heys survived the War in South Africa and was later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In September 1914, just before the Ottoman Empire entered the war on Germany's side, six of the British Manchester Regiment's Battalions joined the Egypt garrison. In 1915, Lt Col Heys and his Regiment landed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli to reinforce the British beach heads. Sadly on 4th June the Regiment took heavy casualties during fighting at Gallipoli. Out of 17 present, 7 Officers were killed including Lt Col Heys (a copy of the Officer’s service record documents, Gazette and Regiment War diary entries including the entry on 4th June 1915 describing the action in which he fell & a copy of a black & white portrait of the Officer which was published in the Manchester Regiment Gazette accompany this piece). This is Lt Col Heys 1895 Pattern British Infantry Officers Sword which was presented to him when holding the rank of Captain in 1901 prior to departure for South Africa to fight in the Boer wars. These swords were a great improvement on previous patterns with better protection to the hand through its ¾ basket hilt (see page 179 of World Swords by Withers). The Sword has a 32 ¼” single edged blade with partial fullers (38 ½” overall). The blade has some staining to be expected but is undamaged . This sword & scabbard are as found and unmessed with. We have not attempted to clean it and it was acquired directly from the Officer’s family. The ricasso is marked by the manufacturer 'Hobson & Sons 135 Lexington Street London W' and the blade marked ‘Capt Wm Geo Heys Manchester Reg’ within banners. The reverse has the ordnance acceptance star and inlaid roundel together with ‘Presented To Captain Wm George Heys Manchester Regiment By A Few Manchester Friends On His Departure To South Africa 1901’. The back of the blade is numbered ‘101673’ which with further research may reveal the identity of the original purchaser and date of manufacture. Both sides of the blade have lovely etched panels featuring the Royal Crown & Cypher. One sides has the etched badge of the Manchester Regiment. The hilt is fitted with its original leather washer. It has the correct ¾ bowl guard voided with foliate design and ‘Queen’s Crown’ ‘VR’ (Victoria Regina) Royal Cypher. It has the correct fish skin grip with wire binding which is tight and intact. The sword is fitted with original leather cord and acorn portepee. It is complete with its leather covered steel scabbard. The leather has some scuffs consistent with age. Price for this excellent presentation piece to a career Officer of the Manchester Regiment who saw action in iconic theatres of War & was killed in action includes UK delivery. Sn 12776
£975.00